Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

By: Michael Mike

Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to curb the spread of diphtheria, address rising malnutrition cases and strengthen routine immunisation across the state.

The Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent public health interventions and outcomes recorded by the state.

He said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has continued to play a key role in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following an increase in reported cases.

According to him, MSF initially operated a Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital but later relocated due to pressure on space caused by rising admissions.

Muhammad explained that the state government provided land within the Specialist Hospital premises, where MSF established a new treatment centre that has grown from an initial 40-bed capacity to 50 beds to meet increasing demand.

He noted that diphtheria vaccination exercises conducted in parts of Bauchi Local Government Area in December 2025 and January 2026 significantly reduced cases in previously affected communities. However, he said infections are still being recorded in areas yet to benefit from the campaign.

“Plans are ongoing for a third round of vaccination, which will be extended to other locations where cases are still emerging,” he said.

On malnutrition, Muhammad described child stunting as a major challenge in the state, prompting the involvement of MSF. He revealed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, offering free medical services and nutritional support to affected children and their caregivers.

He added that the facility often experiences high patient inflow, particularly during peak periods, with families travelling from neighbouring states to access treatment.

Highlighting recent achievements, the Board Chairman announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage during the measles-rubella vaccination campaign carried out in October 2025. He attributed the success to early planning, community sensitisation and strong advocacy at the grassroots level.

Muhammad also acknowledged the contributions of development partners such as UNICEF and E-Health Africa, while disclosing that the state plans to introduce the malaria vaccine later this year, following pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.

He commended the media for its role in raising awareness about vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses, stressing that public enlightenment remains critical to disease prevention.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have continued to warn about worsening malnutrition in northern Nigeria. MSF has repeatedly raised concerns since 2022, while the United Nations World Food Programme recently cautioned that food insecurity in conflict-affected parts of the North-East could place millions of children at risk of malnutrition in 2026.

Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the North East following coordinated dawn operations that neutralized several terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition.

In a well-orchestrated operation on Jan. 28, troops of Sector 1 launched a surprise dawn attack at Bula Dalo, neutralizing several terrorists and forcing the remaining insurgents to flee.

Security sources confirmed that four AK-47 rifles, a PKT anti-aircraft gun, a Rocket Propelled Gun, and a multiple grenade launcher were recovered during the operation.

In a follow-up operation at Garno terrorist camp, Sector 1 troops further degraded insurgent capabilities by neutralizing six terrorists, destroying life-support structures, and recovering a substantial quantity of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition.

The operations have been described as a major setback for insurgent logistics and operational capacity in the area.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 at Sabon Gari faced an attack by ISWAP fighters supported by multiple armed drones in the early hours of Jan. 29. Though the insurgents briefly breached part of the defensive position, gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, restored full control, and denied the attackers any further gain.

The encounter led to casualties among some troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while an excavator and a lowbed were damaged during the drone attack.

Security officials said exploitation of the area is ongoing as forces continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect local communities from further attacks.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno

Woman arrested by Lagos Police for allegedly stabbing sister to death in Agege

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly stabbing her younger sister to death during a domestic dispute in Agege area of the state.

Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Jan. 27 at about 8:20 p.m. at No. 22 Anikulapo Street, Pen Cinema, Agege.

According to the source, one Ikechukwu Uka reported that two sisters, Mary Ibekwe, 30, and Favour Uka, 18, had a disagreement which degenerated into a physical fight.

“In the course of the altercation, Mary Ibekwe allegedly stabbed her younger sister with a knife on the left side of her chest,” the source said.

The police added that the victim was immediately rescued and rushed to Blue Cross Hospital, Ogba, for medical treatment, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

A team of detectives was said to have visited the scene as well as the hospital, where the corpse was inspected and photographed.

“The corpse was later evacuated and deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for autopsy,” the source said.

The suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

The command assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

Woman arrested by Lagos Police for allegedly stabbing sister to death in Agege